Polaris S100 - any thoughts?

They have a strange way to purchase....

https://www.polaris-gnss.com/Shop

I have a question for you. But, first, what kind of equipment are you using at present?

Suggest: Call 3 surveyors, from your area, that are "Progressive". Volunteer for a day, to help, and shadow them, and see how their equipment works.

Back, years ago, I was running L-1 GPS. Now, those units only work in the open, and I bought a hunter grade GPS. It was useful, in a limited way.

Download an app to a smart phone, called On Ox Hunt. This should help you immediately.

Now, my question. Have you got anybody to help you move foreward with technology?

Have a good day.

N

@nate-the-surveyor 

I dont have GNSS equipment at present. I occasionally help a friend who has a Lieca GS. not sure the model number, but this one is not very good under canopy. It is very handy with bringing in control and searching for monuments, even with canopy. 

I'm told that Carlson and others are making GPS that works fast in the woods.

Modern equipment is getting alot better.

To my knowledge, Javad is the only GPS system, that checks itself.

Modern Equipment is the way to go.

Nate

Did you get the Polaris?

sorry for the late reply.

No I have not.

I'm sure it will do the job and probably the lowest cost depending on what you need, but look at Emlid.com also (better)... ardusimple.com cheap also.

Anyone have firsthand experience with that ardusimple package? Looks way too cheap to be any good...?

Take a look back a week or so and see the discussion on multi-path. Just because it is cheap doesn't mean it is "no-good" or that it cannot produce accurate results. The difference between a cheap RTK solution and a more expensive one MAY BE (no guarantee that a company won't charge more and not provide value) a better antennae design, better firmware and support. This can express itself in more reliable fixes, better multi-path rejection, etc etc.

When Trimble, Leica, Topcon, etc puts a $20k receiver into a surveyor's hands, they also put their reputation on the line and there are lengthy tests that they use to provide certifications and specs.

The cost of a tool is never the question. The only question is whether or not you can use it effectively to make money. Having a so-so solution but saving $20k is not a good choice for me. It may be a good choice for you, but that is something you can examine.

Lastly, you can always buy the low cost solution and test it the hell out of it before you trust it...but include your time in the cost equation. (Yes, some testing is necessary for any new equipment, no matter who sells it to you.)

Thanks, d. Was looking for personal experience with the equipment. I did enjoy reading about the cookie sheet method to test multipath effects, though! 🙂

I can tell you the BRX7s are phenomenal in the woods, even with pretty dense canopy, offering cm level repeatability in areas I would never have bothered with even getting GPS out of the case just a few years ago.

This looks "interesting".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116044171671?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=tpB55kvrTTC&sssrc ="4429486&ssuid=1P8RkD2oQSa&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY"

I am following this US company for some time. They recently released this new product called Torch. Search for Sparkfun Torch. These guys really know their stuff.

This is like Trimble sells MGIS devices. You buy a meter level shell and then activate the required accuracy level (sub-meter, sub-foot, RTK) via a software key code. Code can be permanent or like subscriptions, expire after a while. This saves landing costs.

This is like Trimble sells MGIS devices. You buy a meter level shell and then activate the required accuracy level (sub-meter, sub-foot, RTK) via a software key code. Code can be permanent or like subscriptions, expire after a while. This saves landing costs.

I have had good luck with any of the ublox based receivers. Do a search here for Emlid or Polaris or ublox or Sparkfun and you will find some discussions on them.

Polaris has that pricing scheme so that you are not charged large duty fees.

I went ahead and bought the Polaris S100. I am using it with Field Genius for Android on a phone. RTK connection is via data on my phone.

I am happy with what I getting. I have only taken it onto 4 sites so far. 

Coordinates and bearings are comparing favorably with previous RTK surveys by other surveyors.

distances match those I took with the total station.  I haven't looked at vertical.

 I haven't tried it under canopy as the manufacturer says the system is meant for use under open skies only.

I did take a few shots with trees on one side and the results were not bad.

@1man-surveyor Any further updates/progress/remarks?

I am using Emlid receivers and they have their own set of challenges, so I am always on the lookout for economic solutions & alternatives

@land_severer , I have not had a need for measuring recently, so I can't comment on accuracy. 

However I have been using it for searching for monuments and am very pleased with what I am getting.